Spain’s Muguruza joins teammates after late arrival in Rio

Reigning French Open champion Garbiñe Muguruza has joined the rest of Spain’s Olympic tennis contingent after her delayed arrival Thursday in Rio, where she will be competing in women’s singles and doubles and also teaming up with 14time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal for the mixed doubles.

The Venezuelanborn 22yearold, who was originally scheduled to arrive in time for Wednesday’s raising of the Spanish flag in the Olympic Village, flew in from Key Biscayne, Florida, and immediately got in a practice session at the Olympic Tennis Center in Barra da Tijuca.

“It’s all been hectic. I arrived a few hours ago. I was very impressed with the Village; I wasn’t expecting it to be so big. I’m eager to compete and excited about taking part in all the possible events,” Muguruza, who is seeded third in the women’s singles and will take on Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic in the first round, said of her first few hours in Brazil.

Captain Conchita Martinez, for her part, said at a press conference Thursday that she was confident in the Spanish Olympic tennis squad’s chances in Rio.

“They’re going to compete with high expectations and professionalism. We’re going to try to win medals, but being the favorite doesn’t mean much. If they play good tennis, they’ll have their chances,” Martinez said.